Lewis Hamilton calls for changes in Formula One

Lewis Hamilton has backed Bernie Ecclestone's call for changes to be made to Formula One's regulations in a bid to spice up the sport.

In an interview aired on German television earlier this week, Ecclestone was highly critical of the current state of grand prix racing.

Ecclestone, who turns 85 next week, went on to describe the sport which he promotes around the world, as an "engineer's championship", said the rulebook needs to be "torn up and re-written" and concluded that Hamilton has been "given a hell of a lot of help" as he closes in on a third world title.

Lewis Hamilton has called for changes to be made in Formula One

Hamilton has been the dominant force in Formula One over the past two years winning 20 of the last 35 races. He will become the first British driver to seal back-to-back championships if he wins in Austin and Sebastian Vettel, his nearest challenger, finishes third or lower on Sunday.

"It does need to change," said Hamilton. " For example DRS (Drag Reduction System - an overtaking aide) does not feel organic and it does not feel like natural racing, so whatever changes they make, I want to see closer racing, wheel-to-wheel racing."

Faster and more challenging cars are to be introduced in 2017 in a shake up of the regulations. But Ecclestone appeared uncertain as to what impact the proposed new rules will have.

Hamilton added: "It needs to be like go-karting was, with guys following in a train and overtaking. We need to try and make Formula One like that somehow. I don't know how they do it, but it needs to be lot different to what it was in the last 10 years."

Hamilton has also called for Formula One to engage with American sports to make Formula One more popular across the pond.

The Briton spends large chunks of time in America and is a two-time winner of Sunday's Austin race.

"It is difficult for people to get attached to F1 here in America," Hamilton added.

"They are crazy about NFL and NBA, but they are sports where you can go and buy the equipment and play down the road and in the street.

"In karting you can't. I was very lucky that my dad bought me a go-kart, but there is not that much accessibility.

"Maybe Formula One can start to engage more with NFL and the other sports and brands that you have here in the States.

"I have never seen an NBA player come to a race. You can see I am doing as much as I can but I am only one person."